The stories that connect our community.

Pop-Up Shop to Raise Funds for New School

In late October, as the yellow jackets were finally dissipating because of cooler temperatures, Betsy Rice got a bee in her bonnet.

“I have met so many people lately who are pursuing passions, creating their dreams, stepping out of their comfort zones, and at the same time walking life with great purpose, stretching, and growing new muscles,” Betsy said. “Hearing their stories moved me to want more and to connect more.”

After doing some research, Betsy connected with “Beacon People,” a group of women in Birmingham, Ala., who joined forces to provide avenues for people to gather together with their talents and to support a philanthropy that is important to them, simultaneously. Twice a year, “Beacon People” coordinates Pop-Up Marketplaces through ambassadors like Betsy in order to showcase local goods and to raise funds for a purpose.

Joining forces with Betsy are her committee members Michelle Viscomi, Heather Devaney and Merrile Stroud, and together they are coordinating a “Beacon People Pop-Up” shopping experience on Saturday, December 9, in the Lookout Mountain School Skating Rink from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. This will be a great opportunity for the community to do some Christmas shopping close to home.

The majority of the registration fees from vendors will be donated in support of Chattanooga Preparatory School, an all-boys charter school in Chattanooga’s Highland Park area, which will welcome 60 sixth grade boys into its classrooms in the fall of 2018. Chattanooga Prep is the culmination of an initiative led by Ted and Kelly Alling with hopes of providing an excellent educational opportunity for youth in Chattanooga.

“We are providing a pop-up marketplace on Lookout as an effort to celebrate and connect community, and to show support for Chattanooga Prep, the boys and their bright futures,” Betsy adds with excitement. “It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved, and we hope that our community will come shop as we support better educational choices in Chattanooga.” Other Beacon People events are happening in Montgomery, Ala., Tupelo, Miss., Nashville and Chicago, and these efforts have even reached Italy.